This Sunday, September 10 marks the opening of hunting in the four departments of the former Poitou-Charentes (Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne). Several thousand hunters have resumed their activity in the region.
September 10 is the date of the opening of hunting for the approximately 50,000 hunters in the region. The hunting period will last until February 29, 2024. Here are 3 things to know about this practice
For the four departments, hunting is open this Sunday morning, with two exceptions: in Deux-Sèvres, the 10,000 hunters can hunt everywhere except in Niort. For Niort, the opening date is set for September 24. Likewise for the 15,600 hunters in Charente-Maritime, they can access the entire department, except on the island of Aix where hunting will only be open on September 17.
However, the closure will take place for everyone on the same date, February 29, 2024. Please note that schedules change throughout the season. From September 10 to October 15, hunting can take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From October 16 to January 31, hours shorten, going from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and finally, from February 1 to 29, return to the longest hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The drought and heatwave which are hitting the region and the rest of France can represent an opportunity, albeit relative, for the animals. The leaves have started to fall from the trees and the boots of the hunters who walk the trails will cause crunching sounds that could alert the game.
Beware of heatstroke for dogs • © CHRISTIAN WATIER / MAXPPP
Hunters’ dogs are also likely to be in danger due to the heat and intense physical activity, so it is advisable to provide something to hydrate the animal regularly and avoid taking it out during the hottest hours of the day. . Valid advice for hunters too.
Opening of the hunt; illustration image • © EMMANUEL CLAVERIE / FRANCE-BLEU PériGORD
Even though the number of accidents linked to hunting has been decreasing for around twenty years, there have still been six deaths. in France in 2022/2023 compared to eight the previous season. The six victims were hunters. The number of incidents linked to hunting is also decreasing, but there were still 84 last season compared to 104 the previous season. These are shots aimed at homes, cars or domestic animals.
It should also be noted that three non-hunters were seriously injured, and 20 more lightly.
Caution is therefore required for users of nature, whether they are cyclists, runners or hikers.
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